Ihlamur Group brings Ramadan spirit to remote villages in Northern Greece

A grassroots community initiative known as the Ihlamur Group continued its Ramadan tradition of visiting small, underpopulated, and sometimes abandoned villages across the region of Western Thrace, bringing spiritual solidarity and communal support to isolated communities.

Reviving Forgotten Villages During Ramadan
Operating primarily in the province of İskeçe, the group organized a series of iftar dinners and Taraweeh prayers throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Their mission: to ensure that even the smallest and most remote villages experience the communal and spiritual essence of Ramadan.

Funded through their own resources and donations from supporters, members of the group gathered with local residents for iftar before performing evening prayers together in village mosques.

“Even a Small Light Keeps Hope Alive”
In an official statement, the group emphasized the emotional and symbolic importance of their efforts:

“Throughout Ramadan, we aimed to perform Taraweeh prayers in 30 different mosques across 30 small villages with limited congregations. Sometimes we stood shoulder to shoulder with just a handful of people, sometimes with elderly villagers, and sometimes with young participants filling the rows. Because we believe that even a small light in a mosque is enough to keep a village’s hope alive.”

22 Iftar Gatherings Across the Region
Over the course of Ramadan, the Ihlamur Group successfully organized 22 iftar events in various villages, including Davutlu, Balkanova, Boyacılar, Nohullu, Mustafaçova, Zümbül, Çoban, İğnelli, Baklıca, Çayır, Zeynelli, Emirli, Balabanlı, Kurthasanlı, Güney, Atmacalı, Fıçıllı, İsice, İsmail, Köresten, Sakarkaya, and Çepençi (Bulgaria).

These visits extended beyond Greece, reflecting a cross-border sense of community in the wider Balkan region.

Community Effort and Gratitude
The group expressed gratitude to all contributors who supported the initiative—whether financially, logistically, or by participating in the events. Their efforts highlight the enduring importance of grassroots solidarity, particularly in regions facing depopulation and social isolation.

As rural communities across the Balkans continue to shrink, initiatives like this offer not only religious engagement but also a renewed sense of belonging and visibility.